Author: space4knews

Among friends capturing an espresso shot, Kamal Prasai is currently undergoing nasal surgery at Bir Hospital. During tensions between police and the public at Manohara’s squatter settlement clearance, Kamal was reporting cautiously and responsibly.

On the evening of April 26 (Baisakh 12), the day after Democracy Day, amidst continuous rain, Kamal went to photograph the squatter settlement when some individuals assaulted him by snatching police batons and beat him, also stealing his camera’s memory card.

The news of Kamal’s assault saddens us, but the reactions on social media have caused even greater pain. Comments like “journalists deserved to be beaten more” have deeply wounded him—more profoundly than any physical injury.

On Facebook, Kamal wrote, “I am a journalist who gets beaten, but I am not discouraged in the slightest. Because I am hurt precisely because I portray the truth and turn the pages of society.”

“Our society has become one that mocks others’ suffering. Yet, without being disheartened, I am committed to giving this society a positive message through this profession and intend to continue.”

This brief expression from Kamal sheds light on many aspects of Nepalese press, governance, and society.

Why has our society started to mock and find pleasure in others’ suffering? This question is not Kamal’s alone but must be raised by all working in the civic domain.

The idea of viewing journalism and civil society as the fourth estate of the state is not new. In 1787, Edmund Burke described journalism in the British Parliament as the fourth estate, playing a role in holding governments accountable.

Since then, a global tradition has recognized journalism as the fourth estate.

However, we are not the opposition either, whose roles, rights, and duties are constitutionally defined. We independently raise questions and represent the citizens’ curiosity.

After more than 150 years of experience, we realize that we are not the fourth estate of the state. Just as parliament, government, and judiciary operate from their official places, we are not meant to occupy such a formal position.

Our primary association is with citizens, not the state.

Moreover, the state and government are not the same. In Nepal, there is a growing tendency to conflate the government as the state and thus to consider media as a government arm, which is erroneous.

Going forward, let us consider ourselves as part of the citizen community rather than the fourth estate and encourage others to do the same.

We are not opposition; we are independent voices of the citizens, addressing societal issues.

Kamal Prasai and other photojournalists documented harsh crackdowns during the Janatantra Andolan (People’s Movement). They captured videos and photos of destruction, arson, and looting at sensitive locations like Singha Durbar, Sheetal Niwas, and the Parliament.

Last year on March 29 (Chaitra 15), during a royalist demonstration, policeman Suresh Rajak was suspiciously killed while performing his duties. Deependra Dhungana from Naya Patrika survived a shooting incident.

Narendra Shrestha’s photo of burning Singha Durbar won the World Press Photo Award. Many photojournalists—not just them—have captured society’s realities.

Dear viewers, if any photojournalist’s feelings have been hurt, we sincerely apologize.

Those making divisive and misleading comments on Facebook are not like our friends; they tell stories visually and focus on quality.

Among thousands of news and opinion pieces, mistakes may occur, but we strive to correct them. This remains our professional obligation.

Now, let’s talk about the squatters.

Much reporting and multimedia content has been presented. We reflect on what resonates with Kamal’s sentiments: Why have we not found practical solutions to squatter hardships? A democratic state has the authority to manage within laws and regulations—why resort to violence?

Some squatters had obtained permits from the previous government. They were monitored irregularly by the army and police. Children were unable to take exams smoothly; conditions in holding centers were inadequate. Teenage girls referred to their shacks as homes, not hotels or holding centers.

The previous Kathmandu mayor, Balendra, made similar mistakes; currently, due to harsh state policies, these errors are being repeated. We are engaging in unnecessary criticism on Facebook.

The army and police are our brothers; then who are these squatters? The Constitution of Nepal guarantees all citizens the right to live with dignity.

Today, the spirit of the Constitution is fading, and it is time for us to show humanity.

The Nationalist Sovereign Party’s 100-point declaration clearly stated arrangements for homeless squatters, but implementation has faced challenges.

We must break the habit of deriving satisfaction from the suffering of opposing groups. Other people’s problems are real. Only after their education, employment, and housing are assured should relocation occur.

Today, whether it is a holding center or hotel, English terms are used to objectify squatters. Democracy remains a luxury for the upper-middle class.

Let us visit squatter settlements and understand their problems. State leaders frequently change policies; we must avoid drawing pleasure from others’ pain. This is our country.

Before the Constitution, it is time to show humanity. Let us acknowledge we are not the fourth estate and encourage others to understand this. Kamal, please forgive us.

April 29, Kathmandu – The government has recommended an ordinance to the President that creates provisions allowing the removal of current university officials.

Among three ordinances recommended to the President’s office on Wednesday is an amendment to the Nepal University Act, which proposes changes to various provisions of university laws.

According to government sources, this ordinance removes the existing provisions regarding the term of office of university officials.

Currently, the act stipulates a four-year term for university officials, but the ordinance seeks to abolish this fixed term.

Sources indicate that the ordinance does not specify a fixed term, effectively allowing the government to remove incumbent officials at any time.

The appointment system includes positions such as Vice Chancellor, Rector, and Registrar, with the Chancellor usually being the Prime Minister and the Pro-Chancellor the Education Minister.

The appointment process has been criticized for being driven by political quotas.

The government and the ruling alliance had committed to replacing this system with merit-based appointments, a promise that is now poised to be implemented.

How many universities are there in Nepal?

April 29, Janakpur Dham — Punam Devi Pajiyar, aged 67, residing in the Sukumbasi settlement of Kamala Bazar in Ganeshman Charanath Municipality-7, Dhanusha, appeared deeply worried on Tuesday. She is troubled by the threat of displacement from her current residence.

A notice pasted on a temple pillar in the middle of the settlement on April 16 has caused her significant anxiety. The notice was issued by the Kamala Irrigation Management Office located east of the settlement and calls for clearing encroached land.

The notice reads: “Residents are asked not to encroach on the canal system’s ‘Right of Way’ and survey-mapped land of the camps. Any past encroachments must be removed within 15 days. Failure to comply will result in legal action.”

Since seeing the notice, Punam Devi’s concerns have only deepened. The stress has even affected her appetite. She fears that the painful displacement she experienced in Janakpur a decade ago will happen again.

“Since the day the notice was posted, I haven’t been able to sleep well. I worry about whether they will come at night or during the day to demolish my home,” she said.

A decade ago, her family home was situated near the railway station in Sitachok, Janakpurdham Sub-metropolitan City-1. The house was demolished due to railway expansion, forcing her and her family to seek safer shelter in the Sukumbasi settlement in Kamala Bazar. Currently, she supports a family of seven and is anxious about where they will go and how they will survive if displaced again.

Similarly distressed is Pramod Sah, a resident of the same settlement. Supporting a family of five through daily wages, he has lived in a thatched home here for nine years. Previously, he worked as a laborer in Birgunj for 18 years and moved here after his daughter Lakshmi’s marriage brought him to the area.

Pramod’s original home is in Pipara Rural Municipality-7, Ratauli, Mahottari. He traveled abroad twice, once to Malaysia and once to Qatar, seeking employment. However, fate was not on his side; a company closure in Qatar forced his return within three months, and an injury forced him back from Malaysia.

To repay his foreign employment debts, he was compelled to sell five kathas (units) of land and an orchard.

“Though I went abroad twice, luck was not on my side. That forced me to sell my land and orchard. I lived 18 years in Birgunj and came here hoping to settle,” he said. “Now the Kamala Irrigation Office has ordered us to vacate. Where will we go? How will we survive?”

He and other residents have appealed to the government for proper arrangements before any demolitions occur.

Devu Rawal, another resident, recalled the scenes of squatters’ settlements in Kathmandu being bulldozed. “There, the buildings were demolished with bulldozers. We fear the same might happen here,” he said.

Having relocated here from near the Sagarnath Forest Development Project in Sarlahi 11 years ago, he recounts, “We came here as we heard the land was vacant and available for residence. Now talk of eviction arises. We hope for an orderly clearance.” He supports a family of seven in his home.

The eviction notice has also unsettled 65-year-old Ramnath Sah. “The notice was posted a few days ago. What will happen to us now? Where will we go?” he questioned anxiously.

He has lived here for 11 years after selling limited land in Bhagwatpur of Mirchaiya, Siraha, which he was forced to sell due to road expansion. He said he now lives as a squatter and came here after hearing they would be allowed to stay.

Not only Punam Devi, Pramod Sah, Devu Rawal, and Ramnath Sah, but many other squatters in the settlement have also settled here for various reasons. About 45 families live in the settlement and the eviction notice has created widespread fear. Some residents are unable to sleep through the night.

Located near the East-West Highway, this settlement falls under the bank of the Kamala River. The Kamala Irrigation Management Office’s land of around two bighas is occupied by the squatters, who come from over a dozen ethnic backgrounds.

Many residents fear demolition by bulldozers, having witnessed videos and news reports of similar settlements in Kathmandu being forcibly cleared by bulldozers and security forces. Ramnath Sah, a senior local, said residents worry about where to go after eviction.

“We are genuine squatters who have come from various places. We only have these huts. Without proper arrangements, there is fear about where we will go after eviction,” he explained.

The 100-point public reform plan unveiled by Prime Minister Balendra Shah includes provisions for clearing encroached public land in an organized way and identifying squatters for proper management.

Resident Jumani Khatun pleaded for prior arrangements, saying, “After we squatters are forced to leave, where will we go? Please arrange a little land for us first before demolishing our homes.”

Kisun Paswan from Kisun settlement shared a similar view, emphasizing the need for proper arrangements before evictions. “If the houses are demolished first, where will our children live? Please construct houses first before demolishing,” he said.

Randhir Kumar Sah, head of the Kamala Irrigation Management Office, acknowledged issuing the eviction notice. “Our office posted the notice. We are moving forward with identifying encroached land under our management and organizing it. This step comes following federal government directives to protect public land,” he stated.

April 29, Khotang – The District Administration Office of Khotang has imposed a ban on the unveiling ceremony of the Yalambar statue citing security challenges.

The 110-foot tall Yalambar statue, constructed at Pancharodovato in Buipa, ward number 14 of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, had been scheduled for inauguration on different dates and times, which prompted the administration to intervene.

The municipality had fixed April 30 for the unveiling, while the Buipa ward office planned to hold their ceremony on May 1, coinciding with the festival of Ubhauli Sakela. Due to this scheduling conflict, the administration postponed both events.

Following a cross-party meeting chaired by Suresh Tamang, the vice-chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, the administration decided to ‘intervene’ in the controversial program.

Chief District Officer Rekha Kandel stated that the ban was imposed taking into account the possibility of unrest between the divided factions regarding the statue’s inauguration. The administration’s issued notice emphasizes the importance of peace, security, social harmony, and unity while suspending both events.

Ward Chairperson Dinesh Rai had planned to appoint House of Representatives Member Hark Sampang as the chief guest for the unveiling. Meanwhile, the municipality had announced the event would be inaugurated by Province 1 Minister for Tourism, Forests and Environment Bhim Parajuli and Kirat Rai Yayokkha Central President Jeevan Hatacho.

The political controversy resulted in two different dates and chief guests being designated for a single statue unveiling, turning the event contentious. With the municipality and ward office turning the inauguration into a ‘battle,’ tensions arose. Chairperson Rai has declared that the May 1 event will proceed despite the administration’s orders.

The Yalambar statue and accompanying park, built at Buipa on over 30 ropanis of government land, cost approximately NPR 115.8 million. Funding was shared between Province 1 (70%) and Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality (30%). The statue is claimed to be the tallest and largest among existing Yalambar statues. However, due to the controversies, the park has not been inaugurated even a year after completion.

The inauguration ceremony was originally planned for June 1, 2025, under the chief guestship of Province 1 Chief Minister Hikmat Karki. Nevertheless, protests from ethnic identity groups opposing the naming of Province 1 led to postponing the event.

The Yalambar Park was constructed by Uma Tuwachung Ansuvi JV, which signed the contract on July 12, 2021. Initial construction began with a budget allocation of NPR 7.2 million by the municipality during the 2018/19 fiscal year. The foundation stone for the Yalambar statue and park was laid by former Mayor Dipnarayan Rizal and Deputy Mayor Binadevi Rai on February 16, 2022.